FROM THIS EPISODE

The LAPD arrested four protesters early this morning for not dispersing, but the encampment continues, even though Mayor Villagraigosa has declared it illegal. Lawyers have asked a federal court to prevent the Mayor and the Chief of Police from shutting it down, citing the 1st and 14th Amendments to the Constitution. We talk with the Mayor and others about LA's unique handling of what's come to be Occupy Wall Street West. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, a progress report on the Arab Spring.

Banner image: Los Angeles Police Officers in riot gear push Occupy LA demonstrators back on the sidewalk in an attempt to clear the streets around LA City Hall after the deadline to dismantle the occupy campsite expired on November 28, 2011. Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Lawyers for demonstrators have asked a federal court to prevent Mayor Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck from closing down Occupy LA. In October, the Mayor welcomed the encampment and the City Council endorsed its goals. But last week, the Mayor said the occupation was "unsustainable," and declared it illegal at one minute past midnight this morning. But many protesters wanted to stay. This afternoon, lawyers for Occupy LA asked a federal judge to stop the eviction on the ground that Chief Beck and Mayor Villaraigosa exceeded their authority. (In addition to our three guests, we head from KCRW's Saul Gonzalez, who spoke to Grant Collette and Clair Moss.)

In Egypt, the biggest, most influential country in the Arab world, voters turned out en masse for today's elections, which will have a major impact region wide. With 40 parties and thousands of candidates for the lower house of Parliament, the election itself was already a complex undertaking. Recent protests against the military regime have made the process more uncertain than ever. Meanwhile, Syria accused the Arab League of economic warfare. We look at changes -- for better or worse -- wrought by the "Arab Spring."